Seth's Personal Canadian Vernacular

Seth

Jan 2017 · STICKY fingers Book 4 · The Porcupines Quill

About this ebook

When it comes to graphic design, it is easy to communicate the Canadianness of a work with a liberal application of beavers and maple leaves, but, as acclaimed graphic novelist Seth suggests in Seth's Personal Canadian Vernacular, it is much more interesting if you don’t.

In this unique study of Canadian design style, Seth studies vernacular printing—from magazines and pamphlets to matchbook covers and postcards—to determine how thoughtful design can communicate a sense of place. He presents a careful selection of printed ephemera that have inspired his designs, as well as samples of his own work, which put that inspiration into practice.

Seth's Personal Canadian Vernacular is a fascinating take on our design roots, and an excellent reminder of the importance of transmitting `something genuinely Canadian' in book design.

 

About the author

Seth is the cartoonist behind the long-running comic book series Palookaville, which has recently transformed into a semi-annual hardcover. His books include Clyde Fans, George Sprott, It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken and Wimbledon Green. Seth is the designer of The Collected Doug Wright, The Complete Peanuts, The John Stanley Library and The Portable Dorothy Parker. His latest book is The Great Northern Brotherhood of Canadian Cartoonists. Seth was recently awarded the 2011 Harbourfront Festival Prize.